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Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Apoptosis Induction and Detection in a Primary Culture of Sea Cucumber Intestinal Cells
Published on: January 21, 2020
An analysis combining proteomics and transcriptomics revealed a regulation target of sea cucumber autolysis
Tingting Yan1, Jinghe Sun1, Jie Zheng2
1SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
Abstract:
Sea cucumber is a valuable seafood product and autolysis is the main concern for the aquaculture industry. This study employed proteomics and transcriptomics to investigate the autolysis mechanism of sea cucumbers. The fresh sea cucumber was exposed to UV light to induce autolysis. The body wall samples were cut off to analyze by proteomics and transcriptomics. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor of teprotide and the activator of imatinib were gastric gavage to live sea cucumbers, respectively, to identify the regulation target. Autolysis occurrence was evaluated by appearance, soluble peptide, and hydroxyproline content. Four gene-protein pairs were ACE, AJAP10923, Heme-binding protein 2-like, and Ficolin-2-like. Only the ACE protein and gene changed synchronously and a significant down-regulation of ACE occurred in the autolysis sea cucumbers. Teprotide led to a 1.58-fold increase in the TCA-soluble protein content and a 1.57-fold increase in hydroxyproline content. No significant differences were observed between imatinib-treated sea cucumbers and fresh ones regarding TCA-soluble protein content or hydroxyproline levels (P > 0.05). ACE inhibitor accelerated the autolysis of sea cucumber, but ACE activator inhibited the autolysis. Therefore, ACE can serve as a regulatory target for autolysis in sea cucumbers.
Insights
Sea cucumber autolysis, a major concern in aquaculture, is regulated by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Inhibiting ACE accelerates autolysis, while activating it slows down the process, identifying ACE as a key target.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Aquaculture Science
Background:
- Autolysis poses a significant challenge to the sea cucumber aquaculture industry, impacting product quality and value.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sea cucumber autolysis is crucial for developing effective preservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of sea cucumber autolysis using proteomics and transcriptomics.
- To identify key regulatory targets involved in the autolysis process.
Main Methods:
- Proteomics and transcriptomics analyses were performed on sea cucumber body wall samples.
- UV light exposure was used to induce autolysis.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (teprotide) and activator (imatinib) were administered to identify regulatory targets.
Main Results:
- A significant down-regulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was observed in autolyzed sea cucumbers.
- ACE inhibitor (teprotide) treatment increased soluble protein and hydroxyproline content, indicating accelerated autolysis.
- ACE activator (imatinib) did not significantly alter autolysis markers compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a critical role in regulating sea cucumber autolysis.
- ACE can be targeted to control the rate of autolysis, offering potential for improved seafood preservation.
